Monday Musings - December 29, 2025

 

1. The final Monday of 2025 has arrived. Christmas Day has passed and we are looking forward to the New Year with some trepidation. We will party and greet the new year, but the joyous celebration may soon evaporate as the realities of the world overcome our senses. 

2. NFL Family Football Report. As weeks go, at least the family teams were 3-3, .500, which is certainly better than they have been doing. The Steelers failed to win the AFC North Division. That loss sets up a "Win and In" game next week with the Ravens for the division crown with the loser watching the playoffs from their sofas. The winner of that game will be the only family team in the playoffs. Collectively, the teams are 41-54-1, .432, for the season. 

Ravens (8-8) overcame Packers (9-6-1), 41-24 

Dolphins (7-9) swam past Buccaneers (7-9), 21-20-17

Steelers (9-7) tackled by Browns (4-12), 6-13

Commanders (4-12) were lassoed by Cowboys (7-8-1), 23-30

Chiefs (6-10) fell to Broncos (13-3), 13-20

Lilly, Arthur and Finn Watching Football
Odenton, MD
December 28, 2025

3. Watching football is a family affair. Yesterday we managed to get four adults and three dogs onto the sofa for the games. The dogs were quite comfortable and staked out some prime real estate complete with pillows to enjoy the contests. 

4. And writing of sports teams, Arsenal, of the Premier League, continues to maintain a 2-point advantage over Man City and 3-points over Aston Villa--their opponent tomorrow. This is a very important game.

5. Whack-a-mole. The US Military is being used to play Whack-a-Mole across the globe. Whether it be sinking unarmed power boats in the Caribbean Sea or Pacific Ocean, striking ISIS positions in Syria, or for some unknown reason wasting valuable munitions to do something in Nigeria, apparently our president who claims to be committed to peace is spending our national treasure willy-nilly around the planet. Yet, he won't commit our support to Ukraine where the focused application of US weapons could actually bring a terrible war to a conclusion.

6. Today in History. On December 29, 1890, in one of the final chapters of America’s long Indian wars, the U.S. Cavalry kills 146 Lakota Indians at Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota.

Throughout 1890, the U.S. government worried about the increasing influence at Pine Ridge of the Ghost Dance spiritual movement, which taught that Native Americans had been defeated and confined to reservations because they had angered the gods by abandoning their traditional customs. Many Lakota believed that if they practiced the Ghost Dance and rejected the ways of the white man, the gods would create the world anew and destroy all non-believers, including non-Indians.

On December 15, 1890, reservation police tried to arrest Sitting Bull, the famous Hunkpapa Lakota leader, who they mistakenly believed was a Ghost Dancer, at the Standing Rock reservation and killed him in the process.

On December 29, the U.S. Army’s 7th cavalry surrounded a band of Ghost Dancers under the Lakota Chief Big Foot (a.k.a. Spotted Elk) near Wounded Knee Creek and demanded they surrender their weapons. As that was happening, a fight broke out between an Indian and a U.S. soldier and a shot was fired, although it’s unclear from which side. A brutal massacre followed, in which it’s estimated almost 150 Native Americans were killed (some historians put this number at twice as high), nearly half of them women and children. The cavalry lost 25 men.

Trump-Zelenskiy talks yield no progress on Ukraine-Russia territorial issues - Reuters

China stages record drills designed to encircle Taiwan - Reuters

Syria secures mass grave revealed by Reuters and opens criminal investigation - Reuters

North Korea's Kim Jong Un oversees cruise missile launches - Reuters

The small-business owners going uninsured as premiums skyrocket  - CNN

Blizzard conditions and tornadoes disrupt travel as winter brings frigid reality check back to the US - CNN

Congress is desperately failing at its main job - MS Now

Trump’s Christmas bombing of Nigeria has little to do with protecting Christians - MS Now

Iran sends conflicting signals on its missiles as Israeli concerns rise - The Washington Post

Steelers make major money decision on DK Metcalf after 2-game suspension - FoxNews

Donald Trump in his own words – the year in racism and misogyny - The Guardian

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

#MondayMusings

Christmas Village

Overview of the Snow Village Display
Glen Burnie, MD
November 30, 2025

 While visiting with Patrick, Jen, and Beck last evening, I had the opportunity to get a last look at their Snow Village display. 

Patrick does a masterful job creating the display and I learned last evening that he prefers the village pieces to the more rural settings of farmhouses and barns. They have a game they play consisting of hiding pink flamingos in the village for keen-eyed observers to find and re-hide. 

Snow Village Detail
Glen Bunie, MD
December 27, 2025

Christmas, which was just three days ago, is far from over, despite many people’s belief that it has concluded for the year. Retailers are in the midst of the after-Christmas sales, attempting to clear out their remaining stock before the 2026 models begin arriving. I’ve been eyeing an excessively priced TV that hasn’t yet gone on sale, but since it’s the 2025 version, I’m hoping the arrival of the 2026 models will provide some price relief.

I would like to say that I am enjoying the winter weather, I am not! But, I am mindful that it could be worse. My sister who resides in western New York State reported 22 inches of snow on the ground yesterday. That is 22 good reasons not to live there. The Snow Village is fun to look at and to create every year, but, thankfully, the snow is not real and the pieces actually are warm despite the wintery appearance. 

I am looking forward to returning home to warm South Florida next week for New Years and then off on a cruise to the Bahamas for a few days. But until then, we have more people to visit and things to do despite the cold.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton. MD

Afternoon at the Crab

 

Despite the cold 34 degree temperatures and a bit of sleet, we headed off to the Crooked Crab for lunch arriving there at noon just as they opened. We were trying to get the commemorative glasses they were giving out, but the supply ran out four people before I got to the counter. And that was after standing in the line, outside in the cold and sleet, for what seemed like 30 minutes. 

Chris and I, along with Mike and Nicole, enjoyed lunch as played Pokemon on our phones, participating in a number of raids and having fun. I am just getting back into the game after a two year hiatus and it has really upgraded. It is like learning the game all over again, but I did have fun participating in the raids.

All-in-all, it was a quiet day and we finished off the day with dinner at Frisco's and watching the movie Eden. It is a Ron Howard true-story movie about the first settlers on Floreana Island. The movie details the intrigue of there first three groups on the island and how there came to be one surviving family, who still live on the relatively remote island in the Galapagos which is not an Eco-tourist destination. 

I love quiet days, especially after the crush of the holidays. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

The day after Christmas

 Happy Boxing Day

I learned about the day after Christmas when I was in High School while working part-time after school at a men's clothing store.  The day after Christmas was, in this store, the busiest day of the year. The store was swamped with returns and exchanges not to mention people anxious to spend their Christmas money. 

I do not recall the store conducting an after-Christmas sale on the day after Christmas. Usually that was a bit later. But on the sales floor, we were swamped. It was total anarchy from opening at 9 AM until closing at 5 PM, unless, as it is this year, the day after Christmas was a Friday and then the store was open until 9 PM.

My Dad was a manager at the store and at the end of the day we would walk, exhausted, to his car to head home. We did a lot of father-son bonding during the short couple of years that I worked at the store. It is a good memory. 

I never knew that the day after Christmas was also Boxing Day. I only learned of Boxing Day some years later. To my knowledge, American society has never given a name to the day after Christmas, unlike Black Friday which as we know is the day after Thanksgiving. 

That clothing store is long gone. It is just a shell of itself on Cayuga Street in Ithaca. I likely will never pass by it again, but I remember working on the sales floor as well as pressing clothes after the tailors had altered them, washing the windows, straightening stock, shoveling snow, breaking ice, vacuuming every night, taking out the garbage, and doing whatever the owner thought needed to be done. 

But I also remember my Dad. And the day after Christmas.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Happy Christmas 2025

 

Family Pajama Christmas Eve Brunch
Glen Burnie, MD
December 24, 2025

Christmas Eve was a fun-filled family day and Christmas morning has likewise been fun with family.

Marley Creek
Glen Burnie, MD
December 24, 2025

We did something different for the traditional Christmas Eve brunch by having each family arrive in pajamas. It was something fun and added a new twist to our gathering. The family posed for the annual picture still in their pajamas. After most of the others departed, Chris and I stayed for a while and enjoyed time with Baby Beck, who was fighting a cold he acquired at day care, but he was in a remarkably good mood and enjoyed a late afternoon walk down to the water.

The day was pleasantly warm and the walk to Marley Creek was very nice. The sunset was stunning.

Chris, Finn, and Me
Odenton, MD
December 25, 2025

Christmas Day dawned continuing the warmer trend. While not the 80's of the South Carolina beaches, it was still very comfortable and nice. We enjoyed a sumptuous Christmas breakfast of waffles and then descended upon the Christmas tree and the gifts. Santa was very generous. I guess I was a good boy this year, and why he doesn't know won't hurt him!

Now, it is time for games and fun as we relax and enjoy the day.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those in need and I am keeping our military personnel and civilian first-responders in the forefront of my mind. I know there are so many unsung heroes on the frontlines, whether the front is here in America or in some place around the world. 

May you find peace and joy wherever this Christmas Day finds you.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Christmas Eve 2025

 Happy Christmas Eve

For our family, the festivities begin this morning and continue through tomorrow. 

It is exciting this year with a new grandson who is experiencing his first Christmas. Actually, it was a lot of fun shopping for him. Who can possibly resist buying trucks and tractors for an almost one-year old? 

It was very easy to get pulled into the noise and hustle this season, but we resisted. Chris and I managed to get our Christmas cards addressed and mailed in a more relaxed manner and although we have had an aggressive travel schedule, we are looking forward to the next couple of days. We even have the presents wrapped. Well, I may have to wrap an additional gift we bought for Beck, the youngest grandson, yesterday. 

Now, it's time for family. 

I don't expect to listen to or watch the news until Friday. 

White Christmas? 

Thankfully, no! I am looking forwards to the projected high of 51 degrees for both today and tomorrow! Maybe snow on Friday. 

Of course, not everyone can be with their families on this holiday season. I am remembering the first responders, those working shift work, and of course our military personnel across the world and here at home and send them a special thank you for their service!

May the peace and joy of Christmas be with you today and throughout the New Year.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

A Great Day for Flying

Route 301 Bridge over the Potomac
Dahlgren, VA
December 22, 2025

 The trip north on a Southwest flight was, believe it or not, enjoyable. Yes, the airports were jammed with holiday travelers. There was even a line for baggage checkin at the Palm Beach International Southwest counters. I've never been in a line there before. TSA moved passengers through security screening in an expeditious manner and we enjoyed some time in the lounge before arriving at the gate about five minutes before boarding began. Actually, the pre-boarders were already being assisted down the jetway as we took our place in line. 

Our Flight Route
Southwest 2489 PBI-BWI
December 22, 2025

Our flight route took us out over the Atlantic and we went feet-dry over the Carolinas with Cape Fear in sight. It was one of the clearest flying days that I can remember and the sight of the coast from Cape Fear running to the north was stunning. The strip of sandy beach sandwiched between the spit of land and the ocean was very evident all the way to the horizon. I failed to take a picture of it for posterity, but I later took an image as we passed by Dahlgren, VA, and the Route 301 bridge crossing the Potomac River that I have had the pleasure of traversing on multiple occasions.

The jet was completely full, but the 2h 25m flight was still enjoyable. The only disturbing part was that we arrived in Baltimore 15 minutes early, but had to wait on the tarmac for the gate to open for 20 minutes. That meant we actually arrived at the gate 5 minutes late. I do not enjoy when that happens--and then, there was about another 10 minute wait until the cabin door was opened and we could begin the deplaning process. I am glad I did not have a connecting flight. 

Did I mention that there was no internet service? That was an annoyance, but fortunately, I did not have anything worthwhile to work on and so I sat back and enjoyed the flight crammed into a middle seat so that Chris could enjoy the window seat. We try to take an aisle and a window seat leaving the middle empty and hoping no one is anxious to sit between us, but with the jet being full I resigned myself to the middle seat even though I had an "A" boarding pass. I guess all of that goes away next month when Southwest begins assigning seats. 

I really cannot expect much more when traveling during the busy holiday season. I guess I am now an official traveler holiday statistic.

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD

Monday Musings - December 22, 2025

 

View from Jupiter Lighthouse
Jupiter, FL
November 14, 2025

1. The penultimate Monday of the year has arrived. Christmas is three days hence. 2025 is quickly becoming history and I am looking forward to a fresh start in another year. I think the country needs it.

2. NFL Family Football Report. The abysmal NFL season continues for the family teams. Collectively, they went 1-5 this week. The Ravens hopes for a playoff berth are on life-support after losing last evening to the Patriots. The teams are 38-51-1, .428. 

Ravens (7-8) lost to Patriots (12-3), 28-24 

Dolphins (6-9) drowned by Bengals (5-10), 21-45

Steelers (9-6) defeated Lions (8-7), 29-24

Commanders (4-11) owned by Eagles (10-5), 18-29

Cowboys (6-8-1) were electrocuted by Chargers (11-4), 17-34 

Chiefs (6-9) were were stomped by Titans (3-12) 9-26

3. The weather in South Florida has been awesome. Chris and I did a short bike ride yesterday. It will be the last ride of 2025 as we head north today for Christmas. I rode 1517 miles during the year. Not my best in terms of total miles, but still a solid year given the amount of travel that we did.

4. Is anyone else concerned that the president selected a special envoy to Greenland? Are we going to get into a conflict with NATO and steal Greenland? USAToday

5. Today in History. On December 22, 1956, a baby gorilla named Colo enters the world at the Columbus Zoo in Ohio, becoming the first-ever gorilla born in captivity. Weighing in at approximately 4 pounds, Colo, a western lowland gorilla whose name was a combination of Columbus and Ohio, was the daughter of Millie and Mac, two gorillas captured in French Cameroon, Africa, who were brought to the Columbus Zoo in 1951. Before Colo’s birth, gorillas found at zoos were caught in the wild, often by brutal means. In order to capture a gorilla when it was young and therefore still small enough to handle, hunters frequently had to kill the gorilla’s parents and other family members.

Gorillas are peaceful, intelligent animals, native to Africa, who live in small groups led by one adult male, known as a silverback. There are three subspecies of gorilla: western lowland, eastern lowland and mountain. The subspecies are similar and the majority of gorillas in captivity are western lowland. Gorillas are vegetarians whose only natural enemy is the humans who hunt them. On average, a gorilla lives to 35 years in the wild and 50 years in captivity.

Syrians emptied Assad’s prisons. They’re filling up again, and abuse is rife - Reuters

Trump names Louisiana governor as Greenland special envoy, prompting Danish alarm - Reuters

Japan prepares to restart world's biggest nuclear plant, 15 years after Fukushima - Reuters

US pursuing third oil tanker near Venezuela, officials say - Reuters

CBS shelves ‘60 Minutes’ story on Trump deportees at the last minute: ‘People are threatening to quit,’ staffers say - CNN

A $6 billion nuclear deal has Trump’s name all over it. It’s raising serious ethics concerns - CNN

Russian general killed by Moscow car bomb, in latest attack on top military officers - CNN

Republicans and Democrats pitch competing plans to tackle affordability - The Washington Post

JD Vance to Turning Point crowd: ‘You don’t have to apologize for being white anymore" - MSNow

Lions' last-second TD overturned as Steelers snatch victory in wild finish - FoxNews

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Enjoying the Lights at Night

Happy Solstice

Winter or Summer Begins

 

The shortest day of the year for the Northern Hemisphere and the longest for the Southern Hemisphere has arrived!

We will be enjoying 10H 29M of sunlight today in Tequesta. For our family near Baltimore, they will enjoy only 9H 27M of sunlight! Conversely, in Sydney, NSW, Australia, they will enjoy 14H 27M of beautiful Summer sunshine.

Christmas Lights Along the Street
Port St Lucie, FL
December 20, 2025

Chris and I were in Port St Lucie last evening for dinner. It was fun being in a different neighborhood as darkness fell and the Christmas lights illuminated the street. This particular street was fully decorated, there may have been only one house not displaying festive holiday decorations. A huge contrast from our boring condo community where we didn't even put lights up on the welcome sign.  

Dinner and the conversation during the evening was fabulous. I was advised that I may have monopolized the discussion a bit, but we had a very deep discussion about the Netflix production, House of Dynamite. Finnegan even enjoyed being around his favorite cat friend, Tigger. 

A great holiday evening and a very nice way to celebrate the arrival of the Solstice.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Nighttime Reflection

 We enjoyed a great dinner last evening with friends. It was a festive holiday dinner complete with great conversation in advance of our upcoming travels. Their house was very festively decorated for the seasons. 

I spent time out on the lanai for a while after sunset taking in the scene across the lake. The dark lake was flat and reflected the lights of the houses on the far shore like an impressionist painting. The palms on the near shore provided some depth to the image. 

The South Florida evening was perfect. It was the kind of evening that I need to remember during the Dog Days when the temperatures do not fall below the mid-80s and sunset in after 8 PM. But, for now, I enjoy the evenings and look forward to them through at least February. Next week, we return to the Maryland winter. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Across the Bridge

Looking East from the New US-1 Bridge
Jupiter, FL
December 13, 2025

 Biking across bridges in South Florida often results in seeing some of the most stunning scenes. Of course, driving a car across the bridges provides a similar, only more brief view. And as the driver, I often cannot fully comprehend and enjoy the scene. 

Looking West to the New US-1 Bridge
Jupiter, FL
November 5, 2025

The first year anniversary of the new US-1 bridge across the ICW and Loxahatchee River is upon us. The bridge has returned to a normal part of life since the reopening, but I remember the traffic disaster in Tequesta during the construction.

A couple of days ago, I embarked on a 16-mile bike ride, crossing the newly constructed US-1 Bridge twice. I couldn’t help but marvel at the significant improvement in the bridge’s design compared to the previous span. Gone are the steel grates that posed a risk of losing balance; instead, there’s a dedicated bike lane. The breathtaking views from the bridge are simply stunning. On the day of my ride, the sky was a mesmerizing blend of blue and clouds, and the Intra Coastal Waterway (ICW) was relatively calm. Traffic was light, allowing me to effortlessly ascend to what may be the highest elevation in Jupiter, excluding the lighthouse.   

The view in each direction is stunning. I wanted to stop and linger, but there is a solid divider between the bike lane and the pedestrian walkway where the rest area is located. 

I checked my ride log for 2025, and I expect to complete over 1500 miles this year. That is lower than previous years as I have not to been riding as often lately due to travel. 

The ride across the bridge, however, was memorable and I am adding that circuit into my ride rotation. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Quiet Evening at Home

On the Veranda
Tequesta, FL
December 17, 2025

 With what promises to be a very busy final week before Christmas, Chris and I chose to relax at home last evening. We filled our tabletop fire pit with ethanol and enjoyed some wine and munchies while watching the news of the day on the veranda.

The temperature was perfect, low 70s, and we were out of the wind. Our fire pit was working perfectly and most importantly, Chris was relaxing. It is December evenings like that which remind us how enjoyable life can be in South Florida. While most of the rest of the country is freezing, literally, we are enjoying moderate temperatures. The temperature range yesterday was a low of 71 degrees to a high of 78 degrees. Very enjoyable. 

We completed our Christmas shopping during the day! Yay! Now we are entering the deployment phase. Monday we fly to Maryland for a holiday visit. Christmas is front loaded on the visit. 

By the time we return home, it will be time to celebrate the arrival of 2026. Wow, 2025 is disappearing! I guess I am happy to see it go.

I was given an interesting statement to consider yesterday: 

90 percent of the things I worry about never happen. Worrying Works! (The Big Apple)

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

It was COLD

Under the Tiki Hut at Tiki52
Tequesta, FL
December 16, 2025

 I know that it is hard to believe, but it gets cold here in South Florida. Last evening, Chris and I headed off to what was billed as a Country Style Christmas celebration complete with Line Dancing. It was being held at our favorite restaurant, Tiki52. 

The restaurant was festively decorated and a dance area had been raked in the sand to support the line dancing. We were able to get a front row table because we arrived early, which was really at our normal time. 

The wind coming off the ICW made it seem colder than the actual temperature. The temperature started at 71 degrees, by the time we departed it was only 69 and we were cold. I had dressed appropriately in jeans and a sweater, but still, I got cold. It was weird!

We had fun, but although the festivities were supposed to begin at 5:30 PM, there were problems with the sound system and the music was delayed. We waited about an hour before deciding that we were done eating, drinking, and we were cold. So despite that we were having an enjoyable time, we departed. It just got to be too cold. 

So yes, it gets cold here in South Florida, even at 69 degrees!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

I Can't Believe He Said That

"It's all about him," I cannot believe what our president wrote about the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife. 

The comments are criminally insensitive and I wonder how any rational thinking person in America would continue to want to be led such a pompous wannabe. 

Two people were brutally murdered and he wrote the following: 

A very sad thing happened last night in Hollywood. Rob Reiner, a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star, has passed away, together with his wife, Michele, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding, and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS. He was known to have driven people CRAZY by his raging obsession of President Donald J. Trump, with his obvious paranoia reaching new heights as the Trump Administration surpassed all goals and expectations of greatness, and with the Golden Age of America upon us, perhaps like never before. May Rob and Michele rest in peace! (Truth Social)

This diatribe is from the same person who called a woman, "piggy" just for asking him a question.

Apparently, there is now a disorder called Trump Derangement Syndrome, which shows just how self-centered the president has become.

These, in my opinion, are the statements of a small-minded, bigoted person who has no respect for anyone. 

Civility and respect need to return to the White House. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Monday Musings - December 15, 2025

 

1. And here we are, mired in the middle of the last month of 2025. There are 10 days to go until Christmas and it is the third Monday of the month. There remain only two Mondays of 2025!

2. NFL Family Football Report. Given what happened with the Ravens last Sunday, I boycotted watching the NFL this week. Between both dismal play execution by the team and criminal refereeing, I just couldn't take watching the games yesterday. Three family teams have been eliminated from the playoffs, I put the Cowboys in that category because they must win their three remaining games and the Eagles must lose all of their three remaining games. The teams are 36-45-1, .445. 

Ravens (7-7) exacted revenge on the Bengals (5-9), 28-0 

Dolphins (6-7) play Steelers (7-6), tonight

Commanders (4-10) dispatched Giants (2-12), 29-21

Cowboys (6-7-1) were effectively eliminated from playoffs by Vikings (6-8), 26-34 

Chiefs (6-8) were eliminated from playoffs by Chargers (10-4) 13-16

Christmas Poinsettia
Tequesta, FL
December 14, 2025

3. Chris placed our poinsettia in the garden to add some much needed color. It does. It was especially radiant yesterday still carrying the raindrops from the overnight rainstorm.

Christmas at the Mall
Gardens Mall, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
December 14, 2025

4. We ventured to the local mall, the Gardens Mall, yesterday to do some Christmas shopping. We have been going to the mall fairly regularly during the year and it is usually a ghost town. Not so yesterday. The parking lots were full and the mall was bustling with Christmas shoppers. It was fun to be out and enjoying so many other shoppers. And we were successful in our efforts to find some actual physical Christmas gifts in a brick and mortar mall setting. The Christmas Spirit was definitely evident. 

5. The attacks at Brown University in Rhode Island and on Bondi Beach near Sydney, Australia, that killed so many people and injured so many others sadly highlight the continuing hostility and lack of civility in the world. I thought Australia had tough gun laws and we know how liberal they are here in the US. I cannot fathom why people believe they need to get weapons and go shoot strangers. 

6. Today in History. In a ceremony held in Baghdad on December 15, 2011, the war that began in 2003 with the American-led invasion of Iraqofficially comes to an end. But violence continued and in fact worsened over the subsequent years. The withdrawal of American troops had been a priority of President Barack Obama, but by the time he left office the United States would again be conducting military operations in Iraq.

Five days after the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush announced the “War on Terror,” an umbrella term for a series of preemptive military strikes meant to reduce the threat terrorism posed to the American homeland. The first such strike was the invasion of Afghanistan in October 2001, which began a war that continued for two decades.

Australia plans tougher gun laws after police say father and son killed 15 at Bondi Beach - Reuters

Meta tolerates rampant ad fraud from China to safeguard billions in revenue - Reuters

 Canada's farmers are producing record crops despite droughts and floods - Reuters

Morning Bid: Stocks catch a break after bruising AI selloff - Reuters

Authorities seek Brown University gunman after releasing person of interest - The Washington Post

Why Trump won’t stop trying to free Tina Peters — and why Colorado refuses to back down - MS Now

 Last-ditch and likely to fail: The House GOP is finally ready to act on health care - MS Now

NFL officials under fire after Rams edge Lions 41-34 to secure postseason berth - FoxNews

Congress races against the clock to avert skyrocketing health care costs for millions - CNN

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Christmas Movies: The Next 9

 Tis the season for Christmas Movies. 

Image from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

There are so many movies out there that Chris and I began watching the movies before Thanksgiving this year so that we would not go into complete Christmas overload. 

I ranked my top 10 all time Christmas movies last year. I reviewed the what I wrote and stand by it. I expect to complete viewing each of the movies in my Top 10 today or tomorrow by watching The Holiday (2006) and then It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

I realized that in reviewing the list that I had forgotten to consider one of my true favorites, a made for TV movie, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964). No, it doesn't crack my top 10, but I realized that I may need to continue into my next ranked favorite Christmas movies. 

And so, here are my next 9 favorite Christmas movies. Since I had a tie at 10 last year, I'm beginning at 12.

12. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

13. Red One (2024)

14. A Christmas Story (1983), Yes I enjoy the movie

15. The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020)

16. The Claus Family (2020)

17. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

18. The Santa Clause 2 (2002)

19. The Knight Before Christmas (2019)

20. White Christmas (1954)

And there it is. My top twenty Christmas movie list is complete. Obvious absences are Elf and any of the Grinch movies, although I do enjoy the Boris Karloff version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but it was a short TV show and not a full movie. 

Happy Watching!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Decorating the Season

 

Christmas Flamingos
Tequesta, FL
December 12, 2025

Out on my bike, yesterday, I was impressed with the explosion of Christmas decorations since my last trip around the village before Thanksgiving. The day was cool, almost too cool, when I started out, but I soon warmed and began to enjoy the ride. I was happy that I did not feel the effects of two weeks of not riding. 

Repurposed Halloween Decoration
Tequesta, FL
December 12, 2025

Of course, one of my favorite yard decorations was of two flamingos with Santa hats. I have a fondness for flamingo yard decorations.

And then there is the repurposed Halloween decoration that was modified for Thanksgiving and now sports a Christmas decor. They definitely get their use out of it as it has been in the yard since September. 

I think I prefer the less is best policy for Christmas decorations. I don't like the yards where it appears that Christmas puked. There are too many decorations to enjoy and they are placed without a theme in mind. One other observation, I am seeing fewer inflatable decorations here in South Florida than I did in Maryland. I'm not sure why.

The march towards Christmas continues unabated. 12 Days until the Big Day!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

All I want for Christmas . . .

Christmas Light Adorned Yacht
Tequesta, FL
December 10, 2025

 Christmas music is everywhere. Chris and I listened to a few hours of Christmas music during our drive south earlier this week. It provided something different than the usual assortment of songs and artists to whom we listen.

We tend to listen to two genres of Christmas music: Country and Christian. The pop Christmas songs and the updated renditions are not that interesting for us. 

My least favorite Christmas song continues to be "I'll be Home for Christmas," which elicits an almost immediate channel change. What a depressing song for such a joyous time of year. 

One song that I very much enjoy, because it is only two years old and not played constantly, is "All I Want for Christmas is a Real Good Tan," by Kenny Chesney. I like the sentiment and it makes me smile. 

One verse expresses my white Christmas sentiment:

Well everybody's praying for a Christmas so white,

come to think about it, that'd be alright,

as long as it's sand and not snow on the ground,

and everyday our skin gets a little more brown,

We'll string some lights in a coconut tree,

I'll rub some oil on you, and you can rub some on me..

Pelican on the Piling
Tiki52, Tequesta, FL
December 10, 2025

While we were enjoying dinner at Tiki52 the other evening, I saw Christmas lights adorning a yacht. I had to think, that would be a great Christmas gift, a Christmas light adorned yacht! It was good to be dining outside in shorts and a short-sleeve shirt. Back in the land of warm!

What I want for Christmas is one of the toughest questions I am forced to answer. Unlike a good politician, I cannot come up with a redirect or a long-winded way of saying nothing and making the questioner feel like they received a response with which they can work. I am happy and content with few needs or wants. 

I have, however, a very specific answer for the question this year, but I am not going to share it. Those who know me probably understand what that might be and it is not something that can be purchased, wrapped and delivered. But that, really, is my only want for Christmas 2025. 

“The Joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing each other’s loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays.” –W. C. Jones

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Affordability is not a Hoax

Ribeye Steak @ Publix
Tequesta, FL
December 10, 2025

 Affordability is not a hoax! 

Those of us who actually got to stores or online to shop know that prices have climbed and continue climbing. 

I was shocked yesterday when I went to buy some beef at Publix. I was looking at a Ribeye steak. I remember getting those last year for about $8.99/pound. Not today, it was $38.99/pound. Ugh! Did I move to Japan? I hope the meat rots in the case.

And then there is coffee! I used to get a 3 lb can at Costco for $13.00. Last time I bought one there it was $21.00. 

Even wine is bloating in price. I used to buy a Lohr Cab Sav for $11.99/750 ml bottle. Now I am seeing it for $18.99. And Whispering Angel has soared from $18.99/750 ml bottle to over $25/btl the last time I was in the store. 

And that is just food. I'm reading about higher energy costs, except for gas which I got at $2.39/gallon on Monday morning in Brunswick, Georgia. On the health front, Medicare rates for next year will increase more than inflation. 

The problem affordability problem goes right back to energy costs and tariffs. That applies for products grown or made in the US as well as imports. Consider, very little is grown or made in the US without some foreign influence on the raw materials, the machinery, or the technology.

Wait, and then I read about a $12 bn bailout for the farmers. Then, there is talk about a $2,000 payout to consumers to offset the tariff pain. That is way more than the tariffs will collect. Who is doing the math in the White House? Just drop the tariffs and prices will go down, it is fairly simple solution, but apparently someone wants to add even more to the national debt which has already grown by more than $2 trillion since December last year. (Joint Economic Committee)

Forbes in an article titled 20 SIGNS THERE'S AN AFFORDABILITY CRISIS IN AMERICA, listed areas where affordability is indeed the problem. I highly recommend clicking the link and reading their analysis.

In addition to tariffs and energy, the affordability problem is exacerbated by the oligarchs who are out of touch with prices and haven't shopped for their necessities in decades. We have too many uber-rich people running the country and thinking things are great because the stock market is climbing.

And don't forget the President who has made billions since starting his second term. There used to be laws to prevent conflicts of interest. Of course he is a happy camper--he is sucking the U.S. dry and completely oblivious to how his policies are affecting the electorate.

Affordability is not a hoax, it is not fake-news, and it cannot be wished away. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Mercer Museum, pt 2

View of the Main Hall
Mercer Museum, Doylestown PA
December 4, 2025

 I wrote about the Doan Gang exhibit at the Mercer Museum which is located in Doylestown, PA, last week. However, focusing on only the Doan Gang exhibit does a disservice to the larger museum. 

Firetruck
Mercer Museum, Doylestown PA
December 4, 2025

The museum is located in a purpose built facility, called the castle, and houses perhaps the most unique collection of authentic, used, and unrestored items from American life in the pre-industrial age. The museum website characterizes it as follows:

The museum complex features local and national traveling exhibits, as well as a core museum collection of over 17,000 pre-Industrial tools. This permanent collection offers visitors a unique window into pre-Industrial America through sixty different crafts and trades, and is one of the world’s most comprehensive portraits of pre-Industrial American material culture. The museum also features a research library that is a center for local history related to Bucks County and the surrounding region, with its roots dating back to the founding of the Bucks County Historical Society in 1880. (Mercer Museum Website)

The museum (castle) is seven stories tall and chock full of more items that can be fully appreciated in a day. In addition to large vehicles, like a horse-drawn firetruck, and whaling boat, each level has rooms dedicated to one aspect of life. These include, for instance, coopering, shoemaking, pottery, fishing, and almost anything that can be imagined. Each of the rooms contains most all of the unique tools necessary to complete the craft. 

We were given a great tip about viewing the collections; start at the top and work down. That worked very well for us. 

Horse-Drawn Log Sled
Mercer Museum, Doylestown PA
December 4, 2025

Which items impressed me most? The Conestoga Wagon, firetruck, whaling boat, gallows, and the incredible diversity and completeness of the collections. Be aware, the displays are in their natural state and have not been restored, but are maintained in the original condition. I was able to actually see the wear on the Conestoga wagon. I did not know that whaling boats were so large, although in retrospect they would have to be given they were harvesting whales. 

This museum is definitely worth the effort to visit and, as I previously wrote, Chris and I are planning a return trip next year. 

Note: Dress for conditions. The exhibit floors are not climate controlled and were cold during our December visit. Individual accessible display rooms may be climate controlled.  

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Cutest Grandson in the World

Beck at Play
Glen Burnie, MD
December 7, 2025

 Chris and I are totally enamored with our youngest grandson, Beck. 

He is so cute and on this, our most recent, trip to Maryland we were blessed by spending a lot of time with Beck. 

Beck is both our 4th grandson and 4th grandchild. It seems we are destined to have only grandsons, but no worry, he is the cutest boy on two feet. Yes, he is standing and taking small steps. 

In short, he makes me smile. 

His parents are fantastic and are eagerly exposing him to new experiences daily. That written, his smile is infectious and his eyes are piercing. 

We could not get enough of him on our most recent trip north and we are looking forward to enjoying more time with him over Christmas. 

Simply stated, he is a force of nature!

I guess the 15 year gap between grandchildren is working in his favor. 

-- Bob Doan, Brunswick, GA